Who remembers….5 things from the 70s that have disappeared?

Here is another installment in our Who Remembers? series. You can browse previous articles by using the search bar on the right or by clicking here. These articles are strolls down memory lane. In some cases the buildings are still there, but new businesses have replaced them. In other instances, the buildings or even the properties have been razed. Instead of a building, it may be a TV show, personality, or commercial that no one longer exists. Either way, it can’t stop us from taking the Memory Lane stroll!

As always we would rather this be a discussion. No one knows this area better than those who grew up here! Please, leave constructive criticism, feedback, and corrections. We’d love to hear your anecdotes. Please share!

In this installment, let’s discuss things we used to do or things we had, that you no longer see. Times have certainly changed – for better or for worse – but often it happens so gradually that it goes unnoticed. It’s only through discussion that you think to yourself “Oh yeah! I totally forgot about that!”

This usually is the precursor to a flood of memories and before long, hours have passed, and many smiles and chuckles have been had. That’s what makes reminiscing so much fun and so popular.

Being born in 1970, I can only bring up those things that “we” used to do and have in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. However, don’t let those of you longer in the tooth, from sharing the things that you used to do or have, yet no longer see.

1. Keeping the groceries company

Going with mom to the supermarket was exciting enough – it always meant coercing her into buying a bunch of junk in the form of soda, chips, ice cream and candy. It was perfect, because she was usually too preoccupied with her list and checking prices to make sure money was saved. We would strike while in her moment of weakness. Junk food was on the line.

Once the groceries were bought and paid for, we would stuff the groceries (when there was only one choice of packaging: brown paper bag) into the backseat, trunk, front seat, anywhere. Usually there wasn’t much room, so you had to finagle your way in between sacks and make a concerted effort not to squash something, lest there be wrath. Being this close was exhilarating. It also was opportunistic: being in that proximity to the goods, meant rifling through the brown bags was like opening a treasure chest on Oak Island. What would we come across and rip into….and get away with?

Back then, seat belts weren’t much of a focus. So crawling from back seat to cargo area and back was a given. Sure, you’d get reprimanded IF mom noticed. But usually she was too busy watching the road or chatting with her girlfriend. If there were to be an accident, there would be upside down kids covered in milk, bread and eggs. Somehow, it was never an issue and we made it through fine. The other variants of this? Filling the bed of a truck or El Camino, or filling the inside of a van and whipping around the city, or even the highway. You could whip right by a cop with five people in the bed, no problem.

2. Having endless time to do odd arts & crafts

I distinctly remember macrame being ubiquitous. At home, at friends’ houses, or anywhere else you went you would find macrame sweaters, plant holders, hammocks, tapestries, or some other odd trappings made from the popular craft. It bordered on obsession.

Also popular was making your own jewelry. While today, it seems to be the domain of teenage girls, back then adults really got into making their own jewelry to proudly display. Making your own candles, decoupage, or reusing household junk (or pantyhose) that was heading to the bin or yard sale table, pebble pets, and rock rascals were also pretty common. These recycled and handmade items made great birthday presents, anniversary gifts or Christmas presents. Right? Guys. Hello? Right? Wow. It’s really quiet in here.

3. Non-Musical albums

Before cycle classes, Zumba, and outrageously priced Sunset-candle-embryo-co-ed-naked-stiletto-aerial-hip-hop yoga by the sea, you threw on your leg warmers, head bands and wrist bands and got a workout with an album. Debbie Drake was particularly popular, but when celebrities got wind of the profits, they jumped on board. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mary Lou Retton and others made some pretty decent coin on the fad.

Also, in this time period, every comic seemed to have an album. Bill Cosby, George Carlin, even Cheech & Chong, who turned the album sleeve into a gimmick: a proper rolling paper.

4. Having boom boxes

Before digital music players the size of a Susan B. Anthony dollar, there was the boom box. The boom box gave you swag. When you had a boom box, you could walk with confidence, almost authority. You just knew that everyone who didn’t have one, was envious. The boom box was a way to let everyone know who you were, by the music you chose. It was as important to your style as the shoes, shirt and jewelry you wore.

If you were as hip as they came, you got one of the boom boxes with the detachable speakers. That generated some serious “oohs” and “aahs” and put you in the running for “King of the Block.” You were the man. Every chic wanted your number and every friend wished they were you. You just knew it.

5. Hitchhiking

Felt like seeing the country, relocating, visiting family out of state, or simply wanted to go into Boston for a night on the town, but don’t have wheels? No problem. You stuck out your thumb and hitchhiked. Getting chopped into little pieces or stuck in a dirt pit being told about lotion? “Nah, that only happens in the movies!”

I had forgotten all about this slice of Americana until I went on sabbatical and backpacked Europe. I did a lot of hitchhiking there and it saved me a lot of money. I met so many decent people, and had such an overwhelmingly positive experience, that I thought it was a shame that we couldn’t experience the same back in the states. People were thoughtful, generous, and kind. Some were even emphatic about bringing me to the doorstep of where I was heading. One elderly lady even tried to give me money as I was getting out, to ensure I would enjoy myself in the town she was proud of. Of course, I refused but the gesture left quite an impression. Yes, even elderly women weren’t afraid to pick me up.

Sadly, just mentioning the word “hitchhiking” is enough to conjure up serial killers, horror movies, and perverts. Sigh.

Which era did you grow up? Do you recall these things? What memories do you have of them? What things would add to this short list?

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